HC Deb 12 May 1986 vol 97 cc441-2
39. Mr. Maclennan

asked the Minister for the Arts what information he has on the extent of works of art in national collections which are not regularly displayed to the public.

Mr. Luce

The proportion of the collections in the national museums and galleries on public display at any one time varies from institution to institution. Most institutions aim to rotate items between public display and the reserve collection. All allow access by members of the public to items in their reserve collections by arrangement. They are aware of the need to improve public access generally, and I encourage them to do all they can within available resources.

Mr. Maclennan

Is the Minister aware that there is some concern that certain institutions are hoarding collections that should be made available much more widely throughout the nations and the regions of the country? As they tend to excuse themselves by praying in aid evidence of the complexity of the indemnity arrangements, will the Government take some initiative to overcome this problem to ensure that there is wider dispersal of these national collections?

Mr. Luce

As I said earlier, the practices of institutions—principally the nine that receive money from myself on behalf of the Government—are extremely varied. I am most anxious to encourage the maximum exhibition of objects of art—those that are in national institutions and stored away—in all regions of the country, not just in London. The hon. Gentleman is right to draw attention to the policy on indemnity. Three out of the nine national institutions have doubts about the Government's policy on indemnity. We have therefore had discussions with them, and hope that shortly all three will join the other institutions and do everything that they can to lend objects of art to various parts of the country.

Mr. Soames

Nevertheless, does my right hon. Friend agree that the museum authorities are extremely unhelpful about requests of this type? Will he assure the House that no reasonable and properly underwritten request will be turned down for the loan of such pictures in the provinces?

Mr. Luce

In principle, I entirely agree with my hon. Friend that the more that pictures and objects of art are lent in various parts of the country the better, but it is up to the trustees of the institutions to decide what they can and cannot lend. In fact, they must have insurance coverage before they can lend. It is that problem of indemnity that I am now seeking to overcome.